5
cil to practise in Hongkong would be unduly to restrict the
field of competition already limited by reason of the small
size of the Colony and its great distance from Europe and
the United States of America. They pointed out that the
leading dental practitioners at the present time were
American Citizens holding American diplomas, and they in-
sisted that it was contrary to the interests of the Colony
that men of high professional attainments shouldbe debarred
by reason of their nationality from practising in Hongkong.
4.
In consequence of this expression of opinion,
which led to the ultimate withdrawal of the bill, I referr-
ed the present correspondence regarding the registration
of Medical Practitioners in Hongkong to the Executive
Council who advised that an amendment of the Medical Regis-
tration Ordinance on the lines suggested by me and con-
curred in by the General Medical Council would meet with a
similar opposition from the community to that made to the
Dentists' Bill and that it should not be proceeded with.
5.
After careful consideration of the arguments
that have been advanced against the principle of exclusive
legislation with regard to the registration of dentists,
which arguments are equally applicable in the case of Medi-
cal Practitioners, I am of the opinion that no good purpose
will
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